Police were called to the neighbourhood in Shanghai after the local property management company and neighbours failed to convince the woman to desist, the South China Morning Post reports.

The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui includes many rules about mirrors, including not to place them opposite one’s front door lest it reflect negative energy (qi) into the home.

The woman is said to have believed that the traffic mirror – in place since 2012 – was responsible for a recent run of misfortune, including poor health.

Although she initially agreed to stop moving the mirror, further misfortune suffered by her family led her to take action again.

Police officers have now warned the woman and her husband that their conduct could amount to a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.

Property managers have also now cemented the mirror in place.